Looking to for direction to my aviation career

[awbmof]

Greetings all, after being away from aviation I landed (no pun intended) a position in the field six months ago. After being in politics for six years and expat teaching for a year, I've decided that career fulfillment lies in the aviation business. As to which direction to follow I am undecided. I've got it whittled down to three possiblities: law, business or flying. Being the son of a 38 year WA/DL employee I know how this business works. Of those who are more experienced what is your thought of this plan (suject to change on whim of FAA or industry):

1) Obtian 1st Class Medical
2) Take flying lessons (through my employer I can obtain everything to my CFI MEI rating for less than $21,000 while working full-time)
3)In 1 to 1 1/2 years build time as an instructor while attending grad/law school (get prepared for falling back the first furlough and regional minimums) or attend ATP/other program for jet transition/regional jet standards.
4) Apply for Regional/Part 135 Airline Job.
5) Move to major/international carrier (preferably DL, or an overseas airline.)

I would appreciate any guidence in this matter.

[PGA07]

Originally Posted by awbmof

Greetings all, after being away from aviation I landed (no pun intended) a position in the field six months ago. After being in politics for six years and expat teaching for a year, I've decided that career fulfillment lies in the aviation business. As to which direction to follow I am undecided. I've got it whittled down to three possiblities: law, business or flying. Being the son of a 38 year WA/DL employee I know how this business works. Of those who are more experienced what is your thought of this plan (suject to change on whim of FAA or industry):

1) Obtian 1st Class Medical
2) Take flying lessons (through my employer I can obtain everything to my CFI MEI rating for less than $21,000 while working full-time)
3)In 1 to 1 1/2 years build time as an instructor while attending grad/law school (get prepared for falling back the first furlough and regional minimums) or attend ATP/other program for jet transition/regional jet standards.
4) Apply for Regional/Part 135 Airline Job.
5) Move to major/international carrier (preferably DL, or an overseas airline.)

I would appreciate any guidence in this matter.

I like everything on the plan, especially the fact that you can get it done fairly inexpensively. Others may have more meaningful insight, but I would question grad/law school. Now don't get me wrong, having a back up plan is just as important in this industry (if not more so) than having TT.

However, if you know for a fact that you want to be in aviation, I don't see the need to spend the extra money (big money) on law/grad school. That is a lot of coin, as a just in case proposition. Yet, it is the opinion of me. And I know that doesn't go very far!

[awbmof]

Originally Posted by PGA07

I like everything on the plan, especially the fact that you can get it done fairly inexpensively. Others may have more meaningful insight, but I would question grad/law school. Now don't get me wrong, having a back up plan is just as important in this industry (if not more so) than having TT.

However, if you know for a fact that you want to be in aviation, I don't see the need to spend the extra money (big money) on law/grad school. That is a lot of coin, as a just in case proposition. Yet, it is the opinion of me. And I know that doesn't go very far!

Thanks PGA07, good point on the cost of schooling. I have a few options mapped out, one is an ABA accreditied part-time law program, keeping the debt load resonable. Alternatively, the tution at my state school is extremely reasonable (could go debt free) and the program I am evaluating has an excellent reputation.